Synonyms of dominate

dominate

verb

ˈdä-mə-ˌnāt 

1

as in to subdue

to bring under one's control by force of arms

The tyrant used brute force to dominate all countries in the region.

Synonyms & Similar Words

• subdue
• conquer
• subject
• defeat
• overcome
• overpower
• subjugate
• subordinate
• enslave
• vanquish
• reduce
• pacify
• crush
• beat
• smash
• annihilate
• suppress
• lick
• prevail (over)
• triumph (over)
• whip
• quell
• rout
• mow (down)
• thrash
• trounce
• clobber
• smother
• quash
• repress
• silence
• squelch
• drub
• squash
• snuff (out)
• put down
• crack down (on)
• wallop
• break
• skunk
• clamp down (on)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• liberate
• free
• emancipate
• release
• spring
• discharge
• enfranchise
• unbind
• manumit
• unfetter
• unchain
• uncage

2

as in to overlook

to look down on

The remains of an ancient fortress dominate the town.

Synonyms & Similar Words

• overlook
• front
• face
• command

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of dominate

More than 150 million Brazilians voted Sunday in a pivotal presidential election for Latin America’s largest economy, after a campaign dominated by tensions between Brasília and Washington. — Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 4 Oct. 2026

Together, the flurry of offers of direct cash payments comes as Republicans head into the final stretch of a midterm campaign dominated by concerns about prices and the economy. — Luke Fountain, CNBC, 4 Oct. 2026

Although dominated by residents of Cook County, the reliably Democratic 2nd includes parts of Kankakee, Vermillion and Livingston counties. — The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 4 Oct. 2026

Schlittler also dominated the Boston Red Sox in Game 1 of the Wild Card Series, striking out 10 over 6 1/3 innings. — Brendan Kuty, New York Times, 4 Oct. 2026